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Lamborghini as a car company was established in 1963 but didn’t start building any cars until the following year, meaning its first car is now 60 years old.

That first car was the 350 GT, which made its formal debut in the month of March at the 1964 Geneva auto show, at which point Lamborghini started accepting the first orders. A one-off prototype known as the 350 GTV was shown a year earlier at an auto show in Turin, though.

As the story goes, it was a dispute between Ferruccio Lamborghini and Enzo Ferrari that was ultimately responsible for the creation of the 350 GT. Lamborghini, who already had a successful company building tractors, had a problem with the clutch in a Ferrari he owned and complained to Enzo himself that better parts should have been used. After being rebuffed by Ferrari, Lamborghini decided to go out and build his own cars.

The 350 GT’s aluminum body was designed by coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, and initially previewed on the 350 GTV which featured a slightly different design to the 350 GT. The chassis was developed by a young Giampaolo Dallara, who would go on to start race car constructor Dallara a decade later.

As for the engine, a 3.5-liter V-12 that formed the basis of Lamborghini V12 engines right up until the launch of the Aventador, was developed by Giotto Bizzarrini, who helped develop the Ferrari 250 GTO and also attempted the launch of his own Bizzarrini sports car marque, a marque that’s currently undergoing a revival.

Bizzarrini had developed the engine for use in motorsports, and fellow engineer Paolo Stanzani was tasked with taming it for road use. The engine, which featured a four-cam design, was rated at 350 hp and blessed with a stratospheric (for the period, at least) 7,000-rpm redline.

The first 350 GT off the line, the car bearing chassis number 101, was finished in green and had a white interior. It was the car on display at the Geneva debut. It was retained by Lamborghini and later used as a test model for endurance testing, though it was ultimately destroyed after being rear-ended at a stop light.

The second 350 GT built, finished in silver with a red interior, was delivered to a customer in Geneva in August of 1964. The car, shown here, is now the oldest production Lamborghini. The original 350 GTV prototype is still considered the oldest Lamborghini.

HIGH-RES GALLERY: 1964 Lamborghini 350 GT

This article was originally published by Motor Authority, an editorial partner of ClassicCars.com

When you have to compete against the Big Three, sometimes you have to try a little harder, right? That’s the position American Motors was in in the late 1950s. Through sheer creativity, AMC was able to develop clever transportation solutions that would eventually carry it to number three in sales, but our Pick of the Day, a 1959 Rambler American Deliveryman panel wagon, is number three for a different reason, which we’ll explain below. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Hopedale, Massachusetts. (Click the link to view the listing)

The 1950s were a tumultuous time to be an independent automaker, but Hudson and Nash managed to handle themselves all right by joining forces and exploiting its strengths in the marketplace. While the Big Three were shooting for the moon, the newly christened American Motors were shooting for consumers’ rational needs with the Rambler brand. The Rebels and Ambassadors that would come were not as flashy as their upsized Detroit competition, but they were able to handle any task on equal terms, including comfort and routine performance.

Before the formation of American Motors, Nash had built the compact Rambler model, but America wasn’t quite ready for a compact. However, by 1958, the onslaught of foreign brands and the increasing popularity of a funny car from Germany gave AMC executives an idea: why not reengineer the discontinued Nash Rambler from several years before? With the original tooling in AMC’s possession, this was entirely possible. Though more austere than the nicely trimmed Nash, the new Rambler America’s most noticeable design change was fully exposed wheels.

When introduced at the turn of the 1958 calendar year, the American two-door sedan was the most affordable American car in the market and the only compact car available with an automatic transmission. Said George Romney, AMC president, “Essentially, it was simple: Let’s build an automobile for the American people that appeals as much to their native intelligence as to their ego.”

For 1959, the American series was expanded to include a station wagon. Both were available in the two trim levels that carried over from 1958: Deluxe and Super. However, Rambler also offered a sedan delivery for tradespeople called the Deliveryman. This commercial wagon lacked a rear seat, allowing the cargo floor to extend all the way to the rear of the front seats. American Motors offered versions with and without side glass, but it’s possible neither were officially offered because only six were built in total – three in each configuration.

As you can see, this 1959 Rambler American Deliveryman panel wagon is extremely rare and, luckily for the collector world, this vehicle has been given its due by the founder of the AMC Club of America. A “nut and bolt” rotisserie restoration has given this Autumn Yellow Deliveryman a luster that’s better than it had at Kenosha. “Excellent fit and finish throughout,” says the seller. “Awesome chrome bumpers. Beautiful glass. Painted steel wheels with correct “R” hubcaps.”  Power comes from a 195.6cid flathead inline-six with a three-speed manual transmission. “Stunning engine bay detailed properly,” adds the seller. “Whisper quiet, shifts like butter.”

Keep in mind that this vehicle is rarer than just about everything that you have read in the ClassicCars.com Journal. Being that only three were built like this, you’d think it would cost an arm and a leg to own, but the asking price is only $30,500. That’s a bargain in the truest sense of American Motors.

Click here for this ClassicCars.com Pick of the Day.

On the AutoHunter Drive the Bid Podcast this week, Derek Shiekhi and Luke Lamendola, returning Social Media/On-Camera Host for the Collector Car Network, get together to discuss Our Significant Automotive Memories. Maybe few of us have been as lucky to catch the car bug from Dad or Mom’s Lambo, but we all have had a car or two – even a Toyota Cressida – that has made an imprint and given us the nudge to explore the world of automobiles.

Other discussions include news on the six-figure Jeep Wrangler V8 Final Edition, and two AutoHunter picks: a nicely presented 1959 Chevrolet El Camino, and a Duramax-powered 2014 Chevrolet Express 3500 4X4 conversion.

AutoHunter Cinema has plenty of other videos and podcasts created by the experts behind ClassicCars.com, the world’s largest online collector car marketplace. AutoHunter brings forth a dedicated live customer support team, quicker auction listings and exclusive benefits for both buyers and sellers.

The Duesenberg name may have only been a blip along the automotive industry’s vast timeline, but it left a lasting mark that ensures its cars today typically trade hands for multiple millions.

That’s why it isn’t surprising at all that a 1930 Duesenberg Model J with coachwork by Murphy sold at an RM Sotheby’s auction in Miami earlier this month for almost $4 million. The final price paid was $3,855,000.

This particular Duesenberg, which bears chassis number 2369, was originally ordered in 1929 by Esther Fiske Hammond, the granddaughter of the head of department store chain Jordan Marsh at the time. Duesenberg delivered its cars as unfinished chassis, and Hammond had her chassis given a body by the coachbuilder Walter M. Murphy Company based in Pasadena, California, close to where Hammond lived.

The body was one of Murphy’s signature convertible coupes with a roof known as a disappearing top. Only about 25 Duesenbergs featured this body style, and according to the listing only two examples remain with original rear-mounted spares, one being this car.

1930 Duesenberg Model J with coachwork by Murphy – Photo credit: RM Sotheby’s

The car doesn’t feature its original engine, though. Hammond sold the car in 1934 and after trading hands several more times, Charles Allen, a radio host, had the car’s engine changed at some point during the 1950s. Like all Duesenbergs, the car features an inline-8 which in Model J specification delivers around 265 hp.

The car also lost its original rear-mounted spares at one point. Fortunately famed Duesenberg restorer Randy Ema of Orange, California, had spotted the original dual rear-mount spare hub at a swap meet and held onto it for almost 30 years, saving it for the day when it might be reunited with the car. That happened in 2017 when Paul Petrovich of Sacramento, California, brought the car in for a full restoration by Ema. It was the last restoration handled by Ema before his retirement.

Other highlights of the recent RM Sotheby’s auction included a 1990 Ferrari F40 that sold for almost $3.4 million, a 1930 Cadillac V-16 that sold for just over $1 million, and a 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster that sold for $2.2 million.

HIGH-RES GALLERY: 1930 Duesenberg Model J with coachwork by Murphy – Photo credit: RM Sotheby’s

This article was originally published by Motor Authority, an editorial partner of ClassicCars.com

Even rain couldn’t dampen anyone’s spirits at the 2024 Arizona Concours d’Elegance in January. ClassicCars TV encountered an impressive collection of classics, ranging from a 1930s Bugatti to a sleek 1990s Ferrari, with each packing rich automotive heritage. Standouts included a unique 1936 Packard Mulholland Speedster and the gilded flanks of a 1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk. The overcast skies offered some benefits as the legendary 1967 Shelby King Cobra sparkled with the rain droplets.

Subscribe to the ClassicCars TV channel for more finds, car reviews, and event recaps!

A menacing black paint job is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to upgrades and enhancements for today’s featured Mustang. The longer you look at it, the more impressive it becomes. One thing is for sure, this build gave attention to even the smallest details. The results are jaw-dropping.

The Pick of the Day is a custom 1967 Ford Mustang coupe listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Roswell, Georgia. (Click the link to view the listing)

“The full blackout style of this 1967 Ford Mustang restomod gets you ready for a mean power pony, and the fuel-injected Boss crate motor doesn’t disappoint. But more than just muscle, you also get a ton of upgrades like a sports suspension, overdrive transmission, four-wheel disc brakes, and a loaded custom A/C interior. So this is exactly how to get the best of everything in one iconic package,” the listing says.

The car looks good from every angle, but my favorite perspective is the rear end which showcases the integrated spoiler. The subtle charcoal metallic ghost stripes are an attractive feature.

Power under the hood comes from a Ford Performance crate-sourced 363cid V8. Upgrades include aluminum heads, an Edelbrock intake, cast Ford Racing valve covers, Holley Terminator electronic fuel injection, MSD ignition components, and an aluminum radiator with an electric fan. Torque is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission and a Currie nine-inch rear end with 4.10:1 gearing. What speeds up must slow down, and a set of Wilwood disc brakes does the duty there.

The listing has 74 photos showing detailed aspects of the car including the exterior, interior, engine bay, and the underside. I’m tempted to use the word “flawless” to describe it, but that’s really how it looks.

This Ford carries a proper Blue Oval muscle-machine vibe. The dual exhaust even has cutouts in case you want people to hear you coming well before you get to the show. Then again, you may choose to skip all events entirely just because you’re having too much fun on the road,” the listing says.

The asking price is $72,000 or best offer. The car was ceramic-coated within the past year, so that brilliant exterior finish will present well at shows for many years to come.

To view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com, check out the listing here.

The 300th Porsche 911 reimagined by Singer – Classic Study has been completed in California.

The 1990 Porsche 911 was restored in collaboration with its owner who has named their car the ‘Sotto’ commission. This car is an example of Singer’s personalization services and love affair with the 911. Its specification represents requests made by its owner. 

1990 Porsche 911 Targa (Type 964)

  • Presented with carbon fiber bodywork in Resistance Blue with ghosted side stripes
  • Bespoke interior trimmed in Orange leather with black stitching
  • Lightweight carbon fiber track seats with woven leather centers and nickel grommets
  • 4.0L, naturally aspirated, air-cooled flat six, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission sending power to the rear wheels
  • Carbon ceramic brakes
  • Titanium sports exhaust 

The milestone represents Singer’s careful but steady growth since its founding in 2009. Singer now employs over 600 people across world-class teams in California and the UK. On behalf of its global clientele, Singer brings together beauty, craftsmanship and innovation.

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1970 Dodge Coronet 500 that has undergone $115,000 in upgrades to become quite an impressive Coronet R/T clone. It is powered by an upgraded 440cid V8 backed by a four-speed manual transmission. Features include Ramcharger hood, bucket seats, center console, Hurst “Pistol Grip” shifter, and upgraded stereo. Finished in Hemi Orange with a Black vinyl top over a Black vinyl interior, this Dodge comes with original broadcast sheet, fender tag, restoration receipts, owner’s manual, and clear title.

This Coronet 500 was originally finished in Dark Green Metallic (code EF8) with a Green vinyl top (code V1F). During the restoration process, this reportedly rust-free Coronet was repainted Hemi Orange (code EV2). Features include non-functional R/T side intakes, fender-mounted turn signal indicators, Ramcharger air induction system with 440 emblems, chrome mirrors with manual driver-side remote, wheel opening moldings, black Bumblebee stripe, and black taillight panel. A walk around-video can be seen below.

A set of 15-inch polished aluminum American Racing Torq Thrust wheels is wrapped in 215/70 (front) and 295/50 (rear) BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires.

Originally equipped with Green vinyl bucket seats (code D6F8), the cabin is now finished with Black vinyl front bucket seats. Features include power steering, console with Hurst “Pistol Grip” shifter, upgraded AM/FM radio, and woodgrain accents.

The Rallye instrument cluster includes a 150-mph speedometer, 8,000-rpm tachometer with clock, and gauges for the fuel level, temperature, oil pressure, and alternator. Aftermarket gauges for the oil pressure and coolant temperature are mounted under the ashtray.

This Coronet 500 was originally equipped with a 230-horsepower 318cid V8 backed by a TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transmission. However, power is now provided by a more appropriate 440 Magnum (the standard engine for the Coronet R/T) backed by a four-speed manual transmission. Engine bay features include chrome valve covers, four-barrel carburetor with aluminum intake manifold, plenum for the Ramcharger air induction system, tube exhaust headers with high-temperature coating, MSD electronic ignition system, and electric fan. 

This Dodge is equipped with an independent front suspension and a solid rear-drive axle with 3.55 gears. Braking is provided by manual front discs and rear drums. A dual exhaust system exits at the rear.

Original broadcast sheet, fender tag, restoration receipts, and owner’s manual will come with the purchase of the car.

The auction for this 1970 Dodge Coronet 500 upgraded to R/T status ends Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. (MST)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

Actor Jason Momoa, a car lover and the villain in the most recent “Fast and Furious” movie, recently had his 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom converted to run on batteries.

He didn’t do the modification work himself, though. Instead he turned to the U.K.’s Electrogenic, which developed a custom solution for his Phantom.

The company, based on Oxford, also offers so-called EV conversion drop-in kits that can be had for early Land Rovers, including the original Defender, plus the Jaguar E-Type, original Mini, and the 964-generation Porsche 911.

The Phantom’s original engine, a 7.7-liter inline-6 developing 40-50 hp, and the original 4-speed manual transmission were replaced with an electric motor with a custom single-speed direct-drive transmission. The electric motor generates 201 hp and draws its energy from a 93-kwh battery positioned within the existing structure of the car.

The range is around 150 miles, according to Electrogenic.

The work done on the Rolls-Royce was documented by Momoa for his series “On The Roam,” which is available on HBO Max and Discovery+. According to Electrogenic, this was its most complex build yet.

Part of the reason was a desire to preserve other elements of the car that were linked to its original inline engine, like a lubrication system designed to send oil to the bushings for brake and suspension linkages, as well as other mechanical control systems.

The brakes were also a challenge. One issue was the original brake servo sat in the housing of the original transmission that was removed as part of the conversion. The company also had to calibrate the brakes to work with a new energy recovery system.

Like all of Electrogenic’s conversions, the company also wanted the modifications to be reversible.

Electrogenic found solutions to these challenges while still keeping as many of the original parts as possible, including the original brake cable actuators—something that was important to Momoa.

“I needed a team that would appreciate the storied history of this car while updating its technology,” he said in a statement.

This is not Electrogenic’s first Rolls-Royce conversion. The company has also converted a Silver Shadow. Electrogenic didn’t say how much a similar conversion would cost, but the price likely varies depending on the condition of the car and the upgrades specified.

HIGH-RES GALLERY: Jason Momoa with 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom EV conversion by Electrogenic

This article was originally published by Motor Authority, an editorial partner of ClassicCars.com

Every American dreams about a Corvette, right? Alas, many vintage Corvettes are priced out of reach from the average enthusiast … or are they? Our Pick of the Day is a 1971 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe that features big-block power that won’t break your bank account. It’s listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Peapack, New Jersey. (Click the link to view the listing)

When Chevrolet redesigned the Corvette for 1968, folks didn’t know what to think. Sure, the engines were familiar to those keeping up with Corvettes, but the driving position was not, plus there was a quality control issue that hurt its reputation to this day compared to subsequent years. Then came a facelift for 1970, which included an egg-crate grille pattern with matching side gills, triangular parking lights, and subtle fender flares.

Under the hood, the changes that began in 1969 were complete by 1970: in 1969, the 350 replaced the 327, and in 1970, the 454 replaced the 427. Big news on the small-block front was a delightful solid-lifter 350 with the UPC code of LT1. With 370 horsepower, the LT1 was the most expensive engine in the lineup – even more than the 454. How did that happen? Because Chevrolet planned to introduce a LS7 454 that simply never materialized, leaving the LS5 454 as the only big-block for 1970. It was rated at 390 horsepower, 30 more than when installed in the Chevelle.

For 1971, General Motors lowered the compression to all its engines, so horsepower was down yet drivability (especially with unleaded gasoline) was up. The mid-level 350 (which offered 350 horsepower) from 1970 was discontinued, so the only small-blocks were the standard 350/270 and the LT1. That engine now featured 330 horsepower (or 275 net), while the LS5 454 was now rated at 365 horsepower (or 285 net). New was an LS6 454 rated at 425 horsepower (325 net). It cost over $900 more than the LS5 but it also ran like a high-compression big-block, capable of running high-13s.

The charms of the 1971 Corvette are not lost on many for the very reason mentioned above: low-compression engines mean they’re easier to drive with today’s fuel. Combine that with big-block power and you have a very fast Corvette that’s actually more affordable than you think. This particular 1971 Corvette has no description from its seller, but we can see it’s painted Mulsanne Blue, though the data plate shows code 988 Steel Cities Gray with the optional black leather interior. As it’s a Coupe, it features the T-tops that first appeared in 1968 and became a staple of C3s. Other features we can deduce include AM/FM radio, air conditioning, Rally wheels, M21 four-speed, and the LS5 454, which can be verified by the plate on the console.

All that power and fun with classic Corvette looks doesn’t seem like it would be within reach, but suspend disbelieve and believe you me that, at $36,500, this Corvette is much more car for the money than those other fancy cars you whine about as being too expensive. Have at it and tell us how much you love your new Vette!

Click here for this ClassicCars.com Pick of the Day.